Trekky Records' Guide to Shakori: Fall 2009

Every Spring and Fall, our hippie festival fix is satiated by the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in Silk Hope, NC. There's just something about drum circles, hula hoops and noodle dancing that you can't deny. If you're planning on heading down this weekend, here's our official endorsements for what bands to catch.

THURSDAY

5:15PM | Midtown Dickens (Meadow Stage)

Hot off the release of their brilliant new album (which I happen to play on...conflict of interest?) Midtown Dickens are winning hearts all over. They'll be right at home at Shakori, slinging banjos and wielding mouth harps with utter joy. This is the very first performance of the whole festival! Don't miss it.

FRIDAY

3:30PM | Butterflies (Cabaret Tent)

Josh Kimbrough's tender, jazzy post-rock may seem an odd fit for a Grassroots festival, but look no further than the influence of Libba Cotten's incredible finger-picking style to see that Butterflies have folk in their veins, as well. This will be Butterflies' second time appearing at the festival and they will be a refreshing jolt of something different on Friday afternoon. They'll be augmented with mandolin for the first time ever. Should be a very special performance.

SATURDAY

2:30PM | The Never (Meadow Stage)

Shakori's favorite sons return to the festival they've seen grow through its infancy. The Never bring their sunny, elegant, sometimes haunting pop music to the giant Meadow Stage. Ye shall here their harmonies across the land!

6:00PM | Chatham County Line (Meadow Stage)

One of North Carolina's best authentic bluegrass bands, Chatham County Line spin classic country tunes in a way that feels modern without trying to reinvent the wheel. There's a reason there are so many bands with guitars, banjos, mandolins and three part harmonies.

10:30PM | Lost in the Trees (Grove Stage)

Trekky's preferred giant folk-orchestra Lost in the Trees return to Shakori for their third time. This late night performance will be utterly picturesque, with Ari Picker's precious symphonic compositions at center stage.